What is Wegovy prescribed for?
Wegovy (generic name: semaglutide), pronounced “weh-Go-veeh,” is an injectable prescription medication for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose weight and keep it off.
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
The drug is called Wegovy and it belongs to the drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy are synthetic versions of a hormone called GLP-1 found in the body.
When Wegovy is given, it triggers the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which helps control food intake.
By activating these receptors, Wegovy can decrease appetite, resulting in eating fewer calories and ultimately leading to weight loss.
In this instance, the semaglutide Wegovy has been approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease (a group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels) and either obesity or overweight.
How does it work?
Wegovy works by turning on certain receptors in the body that help control blood sugar levels and reduce appetite.
This can lead to weight loss by making you eat less.
By mimicking a natural hormone called GLP-1, Wegovy helps manage blood sugar, promote weight loss, and lower the risk of heart problems in people with heart disease who are overweight or obese.
What did the research discover
In a large study with over 17,600 participants, Wegovy was found to significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events like cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke.
Among those who received Wegovy, only 6.5% experienced these events compared to 8% in the placebo group.
The study was conducted in multiple countries and centers.
Participants from 2 groups received standard medical care for conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol, along with guidance on healthy lifestyle habits.
The results show that Wegovy can be effective in lowering the risk of serious cardiovascular issues.
What are some of the side effects?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomitting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Abdominal bloating
- Belching
- Low blood sugar in patients with diabetes
- Gas buildup
- Heartburn
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Wegovy is an injection and the dose for adult patients is 2.4mg per week.
Source:
- FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight [Internet]. U.S Food and Drug Administration. 2024 [accessed on 2024 Jun 27]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or
- Puckey M. Wegovy [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2024 [accessed on 2024 Jun 27]. Available from:https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
